Boy, did that three-game East Coast swing feel like an eternity. After the Vegas Golden Knights fell silent in the first two games, they broke through in the third period against the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday, scoring four unanswered goals in the third period. The result? A big win that gives you some momentum for a six-game homestand.
Praise the hockey gods because there's nothing better than hockey at T-Mobile Arena. In fact, the Golden Knights can attest to this since they have an all-time record of 202-89-24 at T-Mobile Arena. That's good for a points percentage of .679 and 428 points, making Las Vegas one of the toughest places to play in the league.
The Golden Knights returning to T-Mobile Arena for six games is valuable in many ways. For one, it makes it easier when you're facing tough competition. The Detroit Red Wings, the Florida Panthers, and the Colorado Avalanche aren't pushovers this season and will give Vegas a run for its money.
But it goes beyond that. Sometimes, we need to see familiar faces that we've grown to love. That includes close friends and family members who've cheered us up when we were down. What else can Golden Knights fans learn about... returning home?
What Vegas Golden Knights (and Golden Knights like Ivan Barbashev) fans can learn about returning home
In 288 games played, Ivan Barbashev has scored 77 goals and 85 assists. That includes eight goals and three assists on the power play, making him a dangerous weapon. Compare that to playing 307 road games, where he has 52 goals and 86 assists. Four goals and eight assists come on the power play, presenting a stark contrast between the player's numbers.
Like many of us, Barbashev thrives in a familiar setting. He's grown used to the friendly confines of T-Mobile Arena, feeding off the crowd noise and elevating his game. While some people say "familiarity breeds contempt," that isn't the case for players like Barbashev.
It's part of why the Golden Knights excel at home. They know most of their fans are in their corner, rooting them on every night. Compare their stellar home record to the all-time road record, where they stand at 166-110-38 and the difference is clear.
It explains why the team had some struggles on the three-game road trip. Playing where the crowd openly roots against you isn't fun, especially if you make a big mistake late in the game. Thank goodness for T-Mobile Arena because those worries are instantly washed away and Vegas can thrive on a nightly basis.
Just don't ask me to explain why they struggle in January. Some things don't have concrete explanations.